In addition to its on-site efforts in Somalia, Yemen, and other countries, the International Project Department is also working to establish international norms for the protection of young people who are or have been involved with non-state armed groups.

This time, we will report on the international symposium that was held in October this year as part of efforts to establish such international norms.


Purpose and participants of the international symposium in New York

On October 23rd, our organization held its first international symposium in New York. The purpose of hosting this symposium was to deepen understanding of the situation and issues surrounding “Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups (YANSAG)” from various perspectives and to deepen discussion on efforts to address the unique needs of these marginalized groups. Another goal was to build an international network centered in New York to support them.

The symposium featured international policymakers, including Ambassador Osamu Yamanaka of Japan to the United Nations, experts in the field of peacebuilding, representatives from the business sector, and YANSAG, a stakeholder in the issue, who spoke from a variety of angles. Below are excerpts from the discussion.


Discussion at the symposium – Opening Remarks

The symposium began with opening remarks from Osamu Yamanaka and Erica Harper, Head of Research and Policy Studies of Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law.

Mr. Osamu Yamanaka: “Young people have limitless potential. It is important to protect them from extremist ideology through education and to unleash their potential. I sincerely hope that this symposium will serve as an opportunity to draw more attention from the international community to YANSAG.”

Ms. Erica Harper: “Rather than trying to solve the problems of terrorism and conflict through military force alone, it is important to focus on and improve the root causes of these problems, namely the political and social systems and the loss of opportunities for young people to grow.” ▲ (Left) Mr. Osamu Yamanaka, (Right) Ms. Erica Harper

Keynote speech by Accept International’s Executive Director Mr. Nagai

In his keynote speech, Mr. Nagai presented the results of his research based on the organization’s activities to date and a survey of over 120 YANSAG members from four countries, highlighting the unique potential of YANSAGs as peacemakers and the support and legal frameworks they need. After his speech, four YANSAG members representing Somalia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Colombia took to the stage online, each speaking on the theme of “What we want to convey to the world as former YANSAG,” and discussing the environment and challenges they face with him.

Mr. Nagai: “Unlike children under the age of 18, YANSAG do not have an international framework to protect their rights or potential as young people, and they find it difficult to break free from the cycle of hatred and return to society. In order for them to put down their weapons, a comprehensive approach is essential, including on-site support and legal frameworks to protect them in accordance with their complex situations. Furthermore, I believe it is important to create a space where they can share their experiences and thoughts and to have their own voices heard. Each of these people has complex experiences that give them the potential to become unique agents of peace. They will be crucial in many areas of achieving peace and social stability, and will have an impact on the world.”

Former Al-Shabaab YANSAG-Yusuf from Somalia: “First of all, I would like to apologize to the world for the mistakes I made in the past. I also ask that people not look upon us with discrimination or prejudice based on my past mistakes. I am now trying to be someone who can contribute to world peace and the international community.” ▲Mr. Nagai giving the keynote speech. ▲YANSAG (online speaker) sending out a message to the world.


Panel Discussion- Part 1

The main event of the symposium, the panel discussion, was divided into two parts. In the first part, Mr. Mark Somers, an international consultant in the field of peacebuilding who conducts research on youth in African countries such as Sierra Leone, Mr. Thomas Hill, a clinical professor at New York University, and two YANSAG members from Somalia and Colombia took to the stage to discuss the theme of “The Role of YANSAG in Global Peace and Security.”

Mr. Mark Somers:“The international community recognizes many young people as tomorrow’s leaders. However, only a select few elite young people who have received a high-quality education receive attention from society. YANSAG are completely alienated from the international and local communities, and there are few opportunities for them to be noticed. I believe that it is extremely important for social stability that these vulnerable young people receive recognition from society and re-engage with society as leaders.”

Mr. Thomas Hill: “Given the unique backgrounds and experiences of these people, it is important to take an approach that is tailored to them. Rather than a typical program based on elite training, I believe it is important to work with them to design an empowerment program that is tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each region, and to create a mechanism that will enable them to change themselves as peacemakers.”

YANSAG-Marley, former member of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Colombia: “Currently, I am trying to contribute to peacebuilding in Colombia through educational opportunities for young people in schools and social gatherings. I have shared my past experiences with them and emphasized the importance of young people’s access to education and participation in economic activities. I believe that these efforts can prevent young people from turning to violence.” ▲ (Left) Mr. Thomas Hill, (center) Mr. Mark Somers. They are discussing the matter via video call with YANSAG.


Panel Discussion- Part 2

In the second part of the event, the following speakers took to the stage: Mr. Kazuo Tsuda, who teaches at the United Nations International School and provides educational support in refugee camps in Uganda and other countries; Mr. Hisato Imokawa, CSO (Chief Sustainability Officer) of a Japanese company; Ms. Kuzaima Maranda, representative of THUMA, an NGO in the Philippines that supports the reintegration of former soldiers; and two YANSAG members from the Philippines and Indonesia, who discussed the theme of “Resolving and supporting issues surrounding YANSAG.”

Mr. Kazuo Tsuda: “I think the most important thing is for YANSAG themselves to have ambition. We need to think about what we can do to help them have ambition.” ▲A discussion between Mr. Kazuo Tsuda and Director Nagai.

Mr. Hisato Imokawa: “With the spread of CSV management and ESG investment, we are seeing changes in investment behavior in the business sector. In this current situation, I feel that impact investment will be a major key to supporting YANSAG. If we can link the challenges of realizing the company’s purpose with the challenges of empowering YANSAG and visualize the impact of investment, I believe we can draw the business sector and investors into the YANSAG field.”

Ms. Kuzaima Maranda: “I think that because many of us are consumed with fear of the YANSAG, it’s difficult for them to gain social attention or sympathy. However, it’s important that we first listen to them and open our hearts to them. We, the people who accept them, also need to understand the importance of coexisting with them and living in peace.” ▲ (Left) Mr. Hisato Imokawa, (Right) Ms. Kuzaima Maranda


Closing Remarks

Finally, we received a warm video message from Mr. Norikazu Suzuki, a member of the House of Representatives.

Mr. Norikazu Suzuki: “YANSAG have been recognized as parties involved in conflicts, but have not received the attention of the world as recipients of aid. However, these young people, who have been left out of aid, possess flexibility and limitless potential, and are key to building a peaceful society. We deeply sympathize with Accept International’s work to support such young people, and will continue to support them.” ▲Video message from Mr. Norikazu Suzuki.


Future Outlook

This symposium was the first step towards realizing international norms regarding the protection of YANSAG, and we invited experts, commentators, and stakeholders from a variety of fields to take the stage, enabling us to hold meaningful discussions from a variety of perspectives.

Going forward, we will continue to expand opportunities for deeper discussions, including holding online symposiums, and will continue to involve a diverse range of people, including YANSAG members.

We hope you will continue to provide us with your warm support and encouragement.